hoi2 haam4海涵

Jyutpinghoi2 haam4

Yalehói hàahm

Definition

To ask for forgiveness or show magnanimity towards one's mistakes or shortcomings.

writtenother

How it's used

This is a formal, literary expression used to politely request someone's tolerance or forgiveness for a mistake or a lack of proper hospitality. It is almost exclusively used in written correspondence or very formal speech, such as during a speech at a wedding or a formal business banquet. Using it in casual daily conversation will sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.

Examples

siu2小dai6弟zou6做dak1得m4唔hou2好，ceng2請do1多do1多hoi2海haam4涵。

I did not do a good job, please forgive me.

jyu4如jau5有ziu1招doi6待bat1不zau1周，zung6仲ceng2請hoi2海haam4涵。

If the hospitality was lacking, I hope you will forgive me.

Common phrases

ceng2請do1多do1多hoi2海haam4涵

please forgive me (formal)

Common mistake

Learners often mistakenly use this in casual settings with friends, which sounds extremely unnatural and pretentious. It is strictly reserved for formal contexts where you are showing high respect to the listener.